Argentine superstar Lionel Messi on Saturday virtually unveiled his towering 70-foot statue at Sree Bhumi Sporting Club in Lake Town, Kolkata.
While most fans were left disappointed at the stadium, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan did get his moment with the football legend.
Iran to attend World Cup draw after boycott threat over visa issues
Lots to look forward to in Indian sports as packed 2026 calender awaits
The 2026 World Cup will kick off-on June 11 with joint-hosts Mexico playing South Africa at the Azteca Stadium - iconic venue of the 1970 and 1986 finals - followed by South Korea against a play-off winner after the complex draw was made on Friday.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said the World champions will stick to the same winning formula that delivered glory at the Qatar 2022 World Cup after on Friday finding out their group opponents for next year's global tournament.
Indian football remained in a state of terminal decline after experiencing arguably its darkest phase in a year marked by severe administrative crisis, court hearings, financial issues, absence of domestic leagues, and a steep decline in performance of the senior men's team.
Uzbekistan earn first World Cup qualification, Australia, Jordan close in
England will begin their World Cup quest next June against a very familiar foe with seasoned tournament regulars Croatia the first hurdle for Thomas Tuchel's highly-fancied team.
US President Donald Trump, who has campaigned aggressively this year for a Nobel Peace Prize, was given FIFA's inaugural peace prize for his efforts to promote dialogue and de-escalation in some of the world's biggest hotspots.
Debutants, heat and distance shape mood ahead of 2026 World Cup draw
Though the 41-year-old scored against Maldives in an international friendly, the country's all-time highest goal-scorer failed to find the back of the net in subsequent competitive fixtures for the Blue Tigers.
France football great Marcel Desailly does not feel that visa issues relating to entering the United States will have any impact on the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Messi's last visit with the Argentina team to India was back in 2011, when they faced Venezuela in a friendly match at Kolkata's iconic Salt Lake Stadium.
A summary of Saturday's action in the FIFA World Cup 2026 UEFA Qualifiers.
Qatar's Al Haydos pledges Gaza school, sports hall after reaching World Cup
A summary of Friday's action in the FIFA World Cup 2026 UEFA Qualifiers.
Saudi Arabia has scrapped its decades-old Kafala system, freeing 13 million migrant workers, including 2.6 million Indians, from restrictive employer control and exit visa rules.
Italy beat Israel 3-0 at home on Tuesday thanks to a Mateo Retegui double and a late goal from Gianluca Mancini.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored from the penalty spot in the 58th minute to net his 39th goal in World Cup qualifying matches, equalling the record held by Guatemala's Carlos Ruiz.
Dr Kali P Choudhury, a visionary entrepreneur immigrated to the United States with almost nothing and built his estate in Hemet before turning his focus to Inglewood.
In a recent interview with El Pais, Suarez was asked whether he and Messi had talked about retirement.
England booked their place in next year's World Cup finals as captain Harry Kane scored twice in a 5-0 romp away to Latvia on Tuesday to ensure they will win qualifying Group K.
Bhutia calls for systemic overhaul, urges India to follow Asian football models
It is not yet clear if Diageo Plc is looking to sell its complete stake in RCB.
With two wins from two games, Spain top Group E on six points, while Turkey and Georgia follow with three apiece.
The win guarantees Japan a top-two finish in the standings and sees them qualify for an eighth straight World Cup.
India eye victory against Afghanistan in push for CAFA Nations Cup play-offs
The AIFF said Jamil has signed the contract after parting ways with ISL team Jamshedpur FC.
The match will take place between November 10 and 18, and is likely to be played Kochi.
FIFA on Saturday launched its first talent academy for youngsters in India in collaboration with the All India Football Federation (AIFF), aiming to provide advanced training to talented footballers in the country.
Saudi Arabia will host the men's soccer World Cup in 2034 while the 2030 edition will be held in Spain, Portugal and Morocco, with one-off matches in three South American countries, world soccer's governing body FIFA confirmed on Wednesday.
India head coach Igor Stimac on Monday stated that his team has a great deal to learn from their Tuesday 2026 FIFA World Cup round 2 qualifying encounter against Asian champions Qatar.
Brazil shocked and other big upsets at World Cup qualifiers played on Tuesday
Deepika will be the first actor to receive such an honour at the world's most-watched sporting event.
The 2026 World Cup final will feature its first ever halftime show, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on Wednesday.
For 15 years, Messi and Ronaldo battled like no others. Now, Messi shares what made their rivalry so special.
IMAGES from the European Qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Tottenham Hotspur star played with a protective mask.
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